Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GREETING FROM ENGLAND, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GREETING FROM ENGLAND, by                    
First Line: America! Dear brother land!
Last Line: The hour that brings us back to back / but harbingers the larger light
Subject(s): Spanish-american War (1898)


AMERICA! dear brother land!
While yet the shotted guns are mute,
Accept a brotherly salute,
A hearty grip of England's hand.

To-morrow, when the sulphurous glow
Of war shall dim the stars above,
Be sure the star of England's love
Is over you, come weal or woe.

Go forth in hope! Go forth in might!
To all your nobler self be true,
That coming times may see in you
The vanguard of the hosts of light.

Though wrathful justice load and train
Your guns, be every breach they make
A gateway pierced for mercy's sake
That peace may enter in and reign.

Then, should the hosts of darkness band
Against you, lowering thunderously,
Flash the word "Brother" o'er the sea,
And England at your side shall stand,

Exulting! For, though dark the night
And sinister with scud and rack,
The hour that brings us back to back
But harbingers the larger light.





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